Lighting a fire and gathering around it is a tradition loved by many even in our modern world. It is a wonderful way to relax and add the much-needed warmth to a chilly spring night. Luckily, you don’t have to dig holes to start a fire anymore. You can easily get the best deck fire pit for your garden and bring your outdoor home closer. However, not all top-rated deck fire pits live up to their description. Choosing the best out of the entire lot on the market can be quite the bag of experience, hence our very detailed guide.
We rounded up a list of 9 of the best deck fire pits on the market to help you make the right choice that meets all your needs and is within your budget. The Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is our Editor’s Choice due to its great performance. We also made a compilation of the most crucial aspects to consider when buying a deck fire pit, like materials, dimensions, warranty, fuel source, weight, and safety features. They all determine the overall quality and efficiency of the deck fire pit. For instance, you have to consider the amount of space you have before settling on the weight and dimensions of the deck fire pit.
Extra features: double wall design, low smoke, portable
This tops the list for all the right reasons. It is the ultimate partner when you are out camping or backpacking in the forest or a chilly spring night when you have friends and family over. It is packed with features that offer unparalleled convenience and solid durability.
The Solo Stove deck fire pit boasts an ultra-durable build with its double-wall design curved from robust 304-grade stainless steel. Its heat and rust treated body will undoubtedly last you a couple of years of uses.
Further, the deck fire pit has small holes on its bottom for optimum breathability and air circulation. This works to reduce smoke hence the pit’s smokeless functionality that is preferred by many. You can forget the pain that comes with rubbing your eyes endlessly when seated around a smoke-filled fire.
Moreover, thanks to the pit’s tall and wide dimensions of 16 and 30 inches respectively, you can enjoy maximum warmth from a larger fire flame. Plus, you can bring it with you virtually anywhere. It has a trim weight of about 20 pounds that offers the best convenient portability.
You can use the fire pit in your backyard and you can safely place it on your veranda or patio as it offers excellent protection to concrete and woods that are heat sensitive. What’s more, you can actually enjoy a delightful dinner if you place a grate on it and roast a marshmallow or chicken.
What we liked: The deck fire pit by Solo stove has nearly all the high-end fire pit facilities found in more expensive brands at a very attractive price point. Its almost smokeless functionality is a huge bonus not to mention its super-durable double-wall construction.
What could be better: The deck fire pit is not the best you can get for a large patio or backyard. Also, if you don’t like simplicity then it won’t be your best choice.
Extra features: 11-inch depth, heavy-duty design, rust-resistant, 1.7-millimeter gauge steel, weather-resistant round cover
The Sunnydaze Black Crossweave Large Outdoor Fire Pit comes with a pretty interesting design for anyone looking for a circular firepit. The cross-weave pattern allows it to stand out in your backyard, not to mention you get to see more of the flame.
This circular alloy steel product stands at 16 inches tall minus the spark screen, with 11 inches of this consisting of the depth of the bowl. As such, it’s raised 5 inches from the ground to prevent the heat from burning whatever is under the pit.
It weighs 29 lbs and should be easy to move around your backyard. After all, different events, e.g., family time and backyard hosting events, may necessitate that you place the pit in different places.
The design incorporates 1.7 mm gauge steel, so it should be pretty sturdy and can probably take a knock or two without significant damage to the frame. It’s complemented by black high-temperature paint to keep rust at bay. Furthermore, it ships with a weather-resistant round cover if there’s no space for it in the garage to keep it out of the rain.
Other accessories include the metal spark screen mentioned above and a poker tool to stoke the flame.
Extra features: Meets USFS & BLM guidelines, 60-second setup
Some of the crucial parameters you look out for when choosing a fire pit include; easy set-up and portability, large dimensions for a good size fire and heat protection to keep your grass, wood or cement floor safe. The Fireside outdoor pop-up fire pit checks all these boxes and a few more.
The fire pit is incredibly lightweight, coming in at a trim 8 pounds. Plus, it comes in a small carrying case. It is hands down the best portable fire pit out there. Setting it up is such a breeze and it will take you 60 seconds or less.
What’s more, the fire pit has got some great dimensions that offer plenty of space to have a good size of fire that can warm a lot of people. It features a stainless steel mesh that optimizes airflow to give you a smoke-less and never-ending hot fire. It also does a good job of keeping the coal or wood concentrated in the middle.
Essentially, the Fireside fire pit’s heat shield is super effective. You won’t wake up to a dead patch of grass the next morning and this is a big win on the books of people who are obsessed with their lawns.
What we liked: With this fire pit, you can warm up and have a bite at the same time. You also don’t have to burn your beautiful lawn and you can easily bring it along on your adventurous backpacking or camping travels.
What could be better: There’s nothing to hate on this fire pit.
Extra features: 40,000 BTU, external integrated Piezo ignition
This is the best gas fire pit that you can buy for warm cozy spring nights on your patio. It has a sleek design that can go well with any patio layout and a couple of features that give it a competitive edge over its peers.
The fire pit is amazingly durable with its solid steel construction. Its hammered bronze finish adds a beautiful rustic touch to it that will undoubtedly elevate your outdoor space. On top of it, is a clear fire glass cover that further adds a touch of elegance to its design. Another distinguishing feature in the fire pit’s design is the easy to access door that hides a total of 20-pound propane tank.
The reliable patio fire pit emits up to 40,000 BTU of ambient heat. It also features a thermocouple flame failure device that offers you safety purposes.
The Hiland GSF-PR-PC Propane Fire Pit is not the best portable at 45 pounds thus a top recommendation for patio use.
What we liked: The fact that you can use this model as a fire pit and a dining table at the same time is just amazing. Its overall quality is top tier and it easily turns on to warm up a large area sufficiently. Quite simply, the Hiland GSF-PR-PC Propane Fire Pit is one of the best gas fire pits for wood deck.
What could be better: It is not the best choice for people who prefer the good old campfire design. Some users also complained that it doesn’t offer enough warmth during winter.
Extra features: copper finish; includes a mesh spark screen, a 26-inch fire poker stick, and a built-in wood grate
Sunnydaze is a world famous brand known for high-performing and beautiful fire pits. This particular model is the ultimate option for anyone looking for a large size outdoor fire pit. It also has a couple of convenient features that aim at giving you an unforgettable heating experience.
The large fire pit bowl has a charming design with a brilliant copper finish. The copper finish also adds extra resistance to rust or corrosion. Owing to its 0.7mm thick steel construction, you can count on this fire pit for long-lasting performance and endurance.
You will love hat the fire pit comes with all the tools you would ever need to enjoy a campfire or bonfire in your backyard. It is extremely easy to assemble and features essentials like a mesh spark screen to prevent any wood embers from flying and reaching you as well as a 26-inch fire poker stick for stoking the fire. Also featured is a wood grate that allows you to cook scrumptious bites like marshmallows in the harsh cold.
Even more, you can easily carry the fire pit around thanks to its manageable 30-pound weight and handles on its sides.it also has 2 holes on its bottom for drainage making cleaning an easy affair.
What we liked: This is a perfect fire pit for both small and large gatherings. It is large and deep enough to hold a lot of wood that will continuously burn to give you ambient heat. Its easy assembly and portability make it a favorite among many not to mention its stylish copper finish design.
What could be better: Some users have complained of the paint chipping off quickly after a few uses.
Extra features: 3-in-1, convenient table design
Bang for your bucks? The Outsunny Square Wood Burning Fire Pit comes second to none in offering excellent value for your money. Other than that, its eye-catching design, solid construction and feature packed performance will win your heart.
The wood deck fire pit boasts of robust stainless steel construction with a powder coating. Therefore, it promises a reliable and long-lasting rust-free and heat resistant performance. The firewood holder basin is also heat resistant and will serve you for many years.
The fire pit is not the typical “high-performing but such an eyesore” model. Its stone engraved design with metal-accent powder coating and the square shape will add a modern luxurious touch to your patio or outdoors.
Another huge plus for this fire pit is that it has a huge 32-inch tabletop that you can use to serve food and drinks to your guests. The charcoal grate featured on the fire pit is also a plus as it allows you to cook up something for your loved ones.
If you enjoy campfires and bonfires, this is your prime pick. It offers a 360 degrees view of the fire and with the mesh safety cover, you wouldn’t have to worry about wood embers jumping on you. The mesh cover also provides maximum airflow that ensures continuous ignition of the wood.
Even more, you are provided with a reinforced hanger that you can use to conveniently remove the fire lid. Under the ventilation, there is a log grate as well to protect your wood deck, floor or grass from burning.
Weighing a mere 27 pounds, you can easily transport the fire pit from one place to another. During the rainy season, you can store it with the rain cover it comes with.
What we liked: The ultra-durable fire pit has all the convenience and efficiency one would ever need from a fire poker for safe distant ignition to a reinforced hanger that allows safe removal of the fire lid. It is nearly impossible to find a 3 in 1 fire pit for wood deck with a convenient multifunctional design at such an attractive price tag.
What could be better: Nothing could be better with this fire pit.
Extra features: bronze-colored heat resistant finish
Catalina creations are popular for their stylish, reliable and high-performing wood deck fire pits. This 29-inch model is one of their gems that holds a top position among premium wood deck fire pits. It delivers just about everything you would need on a deck fire pit.
First off, the pit has an aesthetic appeal. It has a cauldron shape and ribbon-like legs with a large moon and starry cutouts that make it look fashionable. The cutouts offer a beautiful night ambience especially when the fire glow comes through them. On top of being a wonderful spectacle, the cutouts maximize air circulation thus helping the woods ignite the fire for extended periods.
Essentially, the fire pit has an incredible 20-inch height and 29.5-inch diameter that can hold a sufficient amount of wood to keep you warm for prolonged periods. Also, you can count on it for long-lasting performance owing to its cast-iron and high-quality steel construction.
As for fire safety, there is a mesh wire spark screen that prevents embers from flying. Also featured is a log-grate that you can use to cook some bites.
The only downside to this fire pit is its slightly heavy 45-pound build. This means it is not the best portable pit out there thus ideal for backyard or patio use.
What we liked: This Catalina creations fire pit is one of the most reasonably priced premium units out there. It is bold and beautiful in its design and is a perfect way of adding luxury and warmth to your home.
What could be better: The fire pit is not the best portable.
Extra features: 30,000 BTU, easy ignition
This is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for super-easy ignition, easy assembly and years of top-notch performance. This Best Choice fire pit lives up to its name with a myriad of features that place it high among the best gas fire pits for Deck.
Right off the bat, you don’t need to fumble with assembly as the fire pit comes ready to use straight out of the box. Igniting it is also hassle-free as it features a one-step spark-ignition button that has a flame control adjustment knob. This allows you to enjoy up to 30,000 BTU of perfectly moderate heat.
The fire pit is also a beauty to behold with its decorative stonework siding and stainless steel burner surrounded by insulating lava rocks. You can also count on it to give years of exceptional performance owing to its weather-resistant cover.
What we liked: You can enjoy several hours of fully adjustable heat with this propane-powered fire pit. Its au-naturel aesthetic appeal makes it a great addition to your outdoor home. The fire pit further distinguishes itself with an easy ignition function and zero assembly before use.
What could be better: Some users have complained that the fire pit is a bit small and short thus produces a small fire that forces one to move closer to feel the warmth. It also doesn’t come with sufficient lava rocks.
Extra features: a 22.5-inch porcelain cooking grate, heavy-duty spark guard cover, full circle handle and safety ring
Here is another promising fire pit to keep your family and friends warm enough on the next gathering you have at your home. Landmann is a renowned USA company famous for its fantastically designed fire pits with superb functionality. The 28335 is not an exception.
The fire pit has large moon and star cutouts that give off a beautiful celestial sensation. The stylish design will easily blend with your home décor as well as increase its attractiveness. Plus, the fire pit offers great endurance with its premium-quality steel construction. The black finishing on the steel bowl maximizes heat retention to warm you up for prolonged periods.
You can carry the fire pit literally anywhere from your patio or veranda to your camping or backpacking trips. It is amazingly lightweight and easy to assemble. For added convenience, the fire pit features a safety ring with a full diameter and a handle.
As if that’s enough, Landmann has added a heat-proof porcelain grate that you can use to roast the best barbecues. There’s also a poker to stoke the fire and a spark screen to prevent wood ember from reaching you.
What we liked: The fire pit has beautiful cutouts that are not only beautiful but also allow maximum ventilation to keep the fire burning for extended periods. Its straightforward assembly and heavy-duty spark guard cover make it one of the best fire pits for wood deck.
What could be better: Some users complained that the fire pit has very little corrosion resilience.
Buying the best deck fire pit isn’t the easiest of tasks. There’s a hell lot of things to consider. This section has all the tips you need to know before choosing a deck fire pit from the benefits of owning one to the crucial features that a good unit should possess.
The most obvious benefit of owning a fire pit is that you will get to enjoy warm and relaxed moments alone or with friends and family on chilly spring and summer nights. There are many more advantages of having a fire pit in your home other than bringing the outdoors close to your heart. They include:
Some fire pits have beautiful eye-catching designs that can elevate your outdoor space aesthetically. There are different designs to choose from whether you love natural ambience or a modern luxury look.
Other than warming you up, most fire pits feature a grate that allows you to roast food like marshmallows, or barbecue. Others even allow you to cool or warm drinks or even bake a pizza. This comes in handy for outdoorsy people who go out on camping or backpacking trips.
Some fire pits are designed to function as a tabletop on which you can serve food and drinks. These are especially convenient if you are entertaining a group of guests in the outdoors on a chilly evening.
These are the crucial aspects that you must consider when choosing a fire pit for a wood deck:
This is a matter of personal preference. For instance, if you want a fire pit to place in your patio or backyard permanently, then you can go for solid one that is a bit heavier like the Hiland GSF-PR-PC Propane Fire Pit.
On the other hand, if you need a portable fire pit, then you must go for a lightweight model with features that maximize portability like carrying handles and bags like the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit. A portable fire pit is also easier to store during monsoon thus will last you longer.
This is the next big thing you must consider. The fuel source determines the overall performance of the fire pit. There are several types of fuel sources for fire pits but propane, natural gas and wood are the most preferred ones.
Wood is the most popular fuel source. It is highly preferred for its natural ambience and suitability for cooking. However, it is a bit expensive and it creates smoke which can be a tad frustrating.
Propane is loved for its smoke-less functionality and affordability. Plus, propane tanks come in various sizes and you can adjust the flames to achieve ambient heat.
Natural gas is also economical, clean, and safe to use but it leaves a bad odor which can be disconcerting to some people.
This is another aspect that depends on your tastes and preferences. You don’t want an ugly fire pit in your home. Go for one that has an attractive design that easily blends with your home décor. For a natural ambience, you can choose a fire pit with natural stones like the Best Choice Products 30,000 BTU Gas Fire Pit and for a modern chic style, you can go for smooth bronze or copper finishes like that of Hiland GSF-PR-PC Propane Fire Pit.
Any fire pit with a contemporary look and visual aesthetics would work for anyone. Plus, to be safe you can go for neutral colors like grey or ash as they normally blend with any décor easily.
This is the heat capacity of the fire pit. You must consider this, especially when buying a gas fire pit. A 40,000 BTU is enough to warm up a large group of people efficiently.
These determine the durability and efficiency of the fire pits. The materials should be heat-resistant, corrosion-proof and durable. They should also be able to cool down quickly to prevent any burn accidents.
The most commonly used construction materials for wood deck fire pits include; cast iron, stainless steel, resin and aluminum.
Fire can be dangerous thus the importance of safety features on a fire pit. Some of the safety features to look out for include a poker which allows you to ignite the fire pit from a safe distance. For gas fire pits, an external integrated ignition would be the safest option.
Some fire pits like Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit feature a spark guard that prevent wood embers from flying and reaching you. Others have a safety ring that prevents your hand from getting into contact with the hot pit.
Dimensions really do matter as they determine the size of the fire you will get. For a large fire, you better go for a fire pit with a large diameter and long height as it can hold more wood. You should also match the size of the fire pit to the size of your patio or deck.
The fire pit’s dimensions also determine its portability. It would be easier to move around with a unit that easily fits into your luggage.
This is the primary determinant of a fire pit’s portability. The lighter it is the easier it is to carry. If you want a permanent fire pit, you can go for the heavy models like the Hiland GSF-PR-PC Propane Fire Pit. But, if you want a portable model that you can take to a beach party, camping or for picnics then you have no choice but to go with the lightweight models like the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit.
Warranty is important as it offers protection against manufacturer’s faults. Should you encounter any problems with the fire pit’s functionality, you can always return it to the manufacturer. The more generous the warranty is the better. It even speaks volumes about the product’s quality.
Here are some key wood deck fire pit safety tips that you can adhere to for a safe usage:
Fire pits are a wonderful addition to any household as they not only bring warmth but also elevate the overall appearance of a home. Choosing the best deck fire pit shouldn’t be a problem at all with all the pointers provided in this guide. You can as well choose any of the top-rated fire pits on our product list as they are all a solid bet. Our top pick, the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is the best fire pit for wood deck out there. It is incredibly lightweight thus portable and its superior double wall build and an almost smoke-less operation set it apart.
Despite the Sunnydaze Black Crossweave Large Outdoor Fire Pit being durable, it’s relatively lightweight, looks good with a flame going, and with the design and weight, it should be easy to move around the yard depending on the occasion.
Third, on our list, the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit is the best portable fire pit you can lay your hand on. It weighs a mere 8 pounds and comes with a carrying case. Its easy assembly and durable build set it apart as one of the best deck fire pits.
